A Happy Woman

It's interesting how the media has portrayed women over the years.  Back in my grandmother's era a perfect woman had lots of curves and "some meat on her bones."  When I was growing up the women on TV were size 0, had tan, flawless skin, and perfect hair.  Lately, the media has been pushing the idea that "real women" can be heavier and still wear a bikini.  

I recently read this article titled: Real Women...? that argues that every woman is a "real woman" no matter her size or shape.    

While I like the idea that every woman is "real" in this way, I wish that instead of wanting to be real, we women would work to be happy.  

I am at a point in my life where my focus is on being a wife and a mother.  It is not so much on myself.  Creating memories that will last and educating my children is my #1 priority.  

And I am happy!

This is me on my wedding day 5 years ago.

Am I the same weight today as I was when I was first married?  

No.  

And I don't expect I ever will be.  No matter how much I exercise, having children has altered my figure in ways that can't be repaired without some form of tummy tuck.  (I know some of you will disagree with this, but that is what I think.)  

The question is: do I care?  

NO!  

Absolutely not!

I am so happy.  In fact, I have never been happier!  I love being a mom!  Each day I feel that I am doing something worthwhile with my life.  

When I look in the mirror do I hate what I see?  

No. 

Not in the slightest.

Granted, there are times that I know deep down that I could (and probably should) do more to be healthy.  This realization helps me choose to eat better and exercise more religiously--for a while anyway.

But I don't change my lifestyle because I feel bad about how I look.  

I do it because it makes me happy!  The improvement makes me happy.

If exercising to look good in a swimming suit is what makes you happy--go for it!  If you want an ice cream cone because it will make you happy--eat one!  Eleanor Roosevelt said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."  Don't let any social stigma dictate your happiness.  

Be you!

Be PROUD to be you!

Love yourself!

Find something to do in your life that makes you happy!

And don't judge others based on their appearance!  

You don't know other people's circumstances.  They could be "letting themselves" go because they are working through some trial that you know nothing about.  They could be larger than you and in the best shape of their life.

And it shouldn't matter!

Who are we to tell others what they should and should not be?  If they are happy with who they are that should be enough.  

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